Bernadette Wiegele: North Beach Occupational Therapy

Our Story

Bernadette Wiegele graduated from W.A.I.T. (Curtin University) with a Bachelor of Applied Science (OT) in 1982 and has accumulated over 30 years of experience working with children. Bernadette provides services for children up to the age of 12 years through individual therapy sessions. The majority of her clients are aged from 3yrs -8yrs. Bernadette is concerned with assessment and treatment of: - Sensory processing difficulties such as tactile (touch), auditory defensiveness and difficulties with body awareness. - Fine and gross motor difficulties - Self care skills - Postural control - Organisation skills at home and in the classroom - Handwriting skills - Visual perceptual development - Concentration skills Bernadette is very experienced with assessment and treatment of the above areas of need. She is also very aware of the affect that having these difficulties places on the child’s self esteem. Bernadette works closely with the parent/ care giver who follow up therapy goals with activities at home. Where possible these tasks try to fit in with family routine. It is preferred that parents stay in the session with their child. Bernadette liaises with teachers and health professionals as required. She has worked closely with Susan Harrison (Speech Pathologist) and Jane Forsberg (Psychologist) with many clients in common. Is your child having difficulties at school with handwriting, sitting still or cutting with scissors? Is your child fussy about the tags on their clothing or do their socks have to be “just right”? Are they having difficulties learning to ride a bike, eating with utensils or tying their shoe laces? Does your child get upset or try to avoid these types of tasks? Come and see Bernadette in a friendly, relaxed and calm tree-house environment and help your child to learn to cope with daily life skills. Bernadette uses a play based sensory- motor approach including use of music in her sessions. She also works on developing specific skills to help your child.